Joseph Veach Noble, a long-time trustee and treasurer of the AIA, established the Joseph Veach Noble Lecture in Greek, Roman and Etruscan ceramics reflecting his lifelong interest in this subject. A past Vice Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1956-1970), Mr. Noble was also Director of the Museum of the City of New York. As past President of the American Association of Museums, he helped museums from coast to coast.

The Noble Lecturer is chosen each year by the AIA Lecture Program Committee.